Fixture

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/608,713, filed Mar. 18, 2024, which is pending and which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/814,767, filed Jul. 25, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,936,488, which issued Mar. 19, 2024, and which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/590,099, filed Oct. 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,398,922, which issued Jul. 26, 2022, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/272,749, filed Feb. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,432,900, which issued Oct. 1, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/939,106, filed Mar. 28, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,205,919, which issued Feb. 12, 2019, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/477,655, filed Mar. 28, 2017, the entireties of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Fixtures are a staple in and around nearly every building in industrialized nations. Lighting fixtures are obviously useful for illuminating rooms. Other fixtures are also widely used, including fixtures for fans, among others. However, technology surrounding fixtures has remained relatively unchanged for a number of years. Because fixtures are located in nearly every room of a building, as well as many areas outside of a building, there is significant opportunity to incorporate fixtures as a part of an overall system having increased abilities to interact with subjects (e.g., humans, animals, and objects).

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. The summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere.

In one embodiment, a fixture includes a housing having an output device, at least one sensor, and a projector for projecting image data. The fixture further includes a fixture computing system that is communicatively coupled to the output device, the sensor, and the projector and includes a processor, and non-transitory computer memory having programming for receiving information from the at least one sensor and causing the projector to project the image data.

In another embodiment, a fixture system includes a fixture, a fixture computing system, and a first remote response module. The fixture has a housing with at least one sensor and a projector for selectively projecting image data onto a surface. The fixture computing system is communicatively coupled to the sensor and the projector, and includes at least a processor, and non-transitory computer memory comprising programming for receiving information from the at least one sensor; transmitting the sensor information over a network; determining the presence of a situation; and retrieving the image data from a database for display by the projector. The first remote response module has a first remote response computing system that is communicatively coupled to the fixture computing system. The first remote response computing system similarly has a processor, and non-transitory computer memory with programming for receiving the sensor information from the fixture computing system and activating the remote response module.

In still another embodiment, a fixture system includes a housing with a light and a projector for projecting image data onto a surface. The system further includes a fixture computing system having a processor, and non-transitory computer memory comprising programming for causing the projector to project the image data.

According to a further embodiment, a fixture system includes a fixture having an input device, an output device, and a fixture computing system. The fixture computing system includes a database and programming for receiving information from the input device and accessing the database. The programming has instructions that, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the output device to output a first signal; (b) receive information from the input device; (c) access the database to determine a second signal, wherein the second signal is based on the information from the input device; and (d) activate the output device to output the second signal.

In still another embodiment, a fixture system includes a first fixture having a first input device and a first output device. The system further includes a second fixture communicatively coupled to the first fixture, which has a second input device; and a second output device. A fixture computing system has programming for processing information from the first input device and the second input device, and includes instructions that, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the first output device to output a first signal; (b) activate the second output device to output a second signal; (c) activate the first input device to receive the second signal; and (d) activate the first output device to output a third signal, wherein the third signal is based on the second signal from the second output device.

According to still yet another embodiment, a fixture system has a first fixture with a first output device; and a first sensor comprising a camera. A first fixture computing system is communicatively coupled to the first fixture, and has a processor; and non-transitory computer memory with programming for receiving information from the first sensor and causing the output device to output a first signal. The programming specifically includes instructions for receiving sensor data from the first sensor; processing the first sensor data; generating a first content based on the processed first sensor data; and outputting the first content via the first output device.

Embodiments of fixtures having increased functionalities as part of an overall communications system are described herein. As will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, a fixture may be a stand-alone device, generally configured to interact with a system for providing information to a user via a display. In another embodiment, a fixture may be further configured to interact with a user to provide a user-specific output in accordance with the system with which it is associated. While specific embodiments of various fixtures are described in detail herein, it shall be understood that the underlying invention described herein can be incorporated for use with any fixture which may be found in or around a location.

1 2 FIGS.- 100 100 100 105 110 110 105 110 115 110 130 130 130 130 117 100 117 100 100 117 100 a b c illustrate a fixtureaccording to one embodiment of the invention. Here, the fixtureis embodied as a can light, such as those typically found in a ceiling of a building. Here, the fixtureincludes a housingand a light. The lightmay, in embodiments, be an LED light, although other types of lights may additionally or alternately be appropriate. The housingand/or the lightmay be equipped with wiringfor receiving and/or transferring power as described below. The housingmay be equipped with one or more input and/or output devices,,(generally sensors,), which are part of a fixture computing deviceassociated with the fixture. The fixture computing devicemay be directly associated with the fixture, or may be distributed (i.e., remote) from the fixture. In any event, the fixture computing deviceis communicatively coupled to the fixture.

115 110 117 115 110 117 130 110 130 110 117 a a The wiringmay include traditional electrical wiring, which may allow the lightand/or the fixture computing deviceto hook into the existing electrical system. Alternately, the wiringmay be, for example, light pipes or fiber optics which may receive light from another area in a building in order to power the lightand/or the fixture computing device. In one embodiment, a sensormay include a light detection and transmission sensor (e.g., one or more solar panels) which may be configured to receive, transduce, and store ambient light energy to provide power to the light. Energy from the sensormay be stored (e.g., in a battery, capacitor, etc.) to provide electrical power to the lightand/or the fixture computing deviceduring periods of low ambient light exposure (e.g., at night).

110 110 115 Further, the light(and other components) may be controlled via a DIP switch (or other programmable configuration device). As known to those of skill in the art, the DIP switch may allow for remote control of the light without requiring an electrical connection between the lightand the on/off switch. This may be particularly advantageous where the wiringincludes light pipes and/or fiber optics and is otherwise not dependent on electrical energy. Energy harvesting techniques can be used from the optical pipe system to distribute power to subsystems in select embodiments.

130 130 130 130 100 100 100 130 100 130 117 a b b b b b Sensorsandmay be, for example, a motion detector, proximity sensor, camera, video camera, infrared detector, a receiver, humidity sensor, thermometer, or any other sensor that is now known or later developed. It shall be understood that the sensormay include a plurality of sensors, including but not limited to those listed immediately above. The sensorswhich may be incorporated into the fixturemay be selected based on the location of the fixtureand/or the desirable function of the fixture. In embodiments, the sensorsmay optionally be removable and/or exchangeable, to allow a user to customize the fixtureaccording to the user's desires. The sensorsmay be configured to communicate with the fixture computing deviceas described in greater detail below.

130 110 130 100 100 5 1 100 130 100 160 10 130 100 160 130 130 c c c c c c 4 FIG. 5 FIG. An output device, such as a projector, may be situated in the housing, e.g., along an inner rim of thereof. The projectormay be configured to provide display content on a surface near the fixture.shows a schematic illustration of a fixtureembodied as a can light disposed in a ceilingof a building.shows a schematic illustration of a fixtureembodied in a ceiling fan. In both embodiments, although not necessarily required, the projectorof the fixtureprojects indiciaonto the wall. In embodiments, multiple projectorsmay be included in the fixture, and indiciamay be projected onto multiple surfaces. It shall be understood that the output devicemay be embodied in a plurality of output devices, including but not limited to a projector, speakers, lights, fragrance delivery systems, noise/vibration canceling propagation devices, radio frequency (RF) repeaters, etc.

3 FIG. 117 100 117 300 400 200 117 120 125 135 130 130 130 200 120 120 140 135 a b c Attention is now directed to, which schematically illustrates a system having an exemplary fixture computing devicewith analysis and response capabilities. The fixture, fixture computing device, and other computing devices (or modulesand) are communicatively coupled (e.g., via wires or wirelessly over a network). The fixture computing deviceincludes a processorcommunicatively coupled to a network interface, and memory. The sensors,,may be in communication (e.g., via wires or wirelessly over the network) with the processor. The processoroperates softwarehoused in the memory.

120 120 125 135 117 135 100 117 125 Processorrepresents one or more digital processors. In some example embodiments, the processormay be configured through particularly configured hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and/or through execution of software to perform functions in accordance with the disclosure herein. Network interfacemay be implemented as one or both of a wired network interface and a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Internet, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.) interface, as is known in the art. Memoryrepresents one or more of volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, FLASH, magnetic media, Electrochromic, Active Graphically Encoded Icon (GEI), optical media, chemical, etc.). Although shown within the fixture computing device, memorymay be, at least in part, implemented as network storage that is external to the fixtureand/or the fixture computing device, and accessed via network interface.

140 135 140 120 117 140 145 145 145 145 145 145 140 130 130 140 100 Softwaremay be stored in a transitory or non-transitory portion of the memory. Softwareincludes machine readable instructions that are executed by processorto perform the functionality of the computing deviceas described herein. In the illustrated example, the softwarecontains one or more modes of functionality, including but not limited to an action screenerA, an authenticatorB, a primary content generatorC, an olfaction moduleD, an alert generatorE, and a response generatorF, each of which are described in more detail below. The softwaremay contain fewer modes of functionality, depending on the sensors. As the sensorsreceive data, the information may be evaluated by the softwareto determine what, if any action, by the fixtureis desirable.

145 100 130 100 145 125 130 100 130 100 120 1 FIG. The authenticatorB may, in embodiments, communicate with a mobile computer of a user (discussed further below) to verify the identity of the user. For instance, and as discussed below, a user may download a mobile application to allow him to interact with the fixture. During the installation process, a unique number associated with the user's mobile computer (e.g., an Android ID, a Google Advertising ID, a Universal Device ID, etc.) may be retrieved and stored (e.g., in cloud storage). When a proximity sensor(see) indicates that a user is proximate (e.g., within 1-5 feet of) the fixture, the authenticatorB may use the network interfaceto interact with the user's mobile computer (e.g., over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, LIDAR, or other triangulation network techniques) to determine the device ID and/or physical position of the user's mobile computer. It shall be understood that the proximity sensoras well as the user's mobile computer are not limited to traditional devices that exist today and could extend their operation onto (or within) future devices that utilize distributed networking techniques such as Internet of Things (IoT) which may eventually be embedded into objects, animals, and humans. The authenticator may thereafter match the device ID obtained when the user is at the fixturewith the device ID retrieved during the mobile application installation, and thereby, identify and authenticate the user. Optionally, the user may engage with the mobile computer and the mobile application to save preferences of the user (e.g., favorite shows, news channels, music, movies, etc.). Where the user has uploaded preferences into the mobile application, and the proximity sensordetermines that the user is proximate the fixture, the processormay activate the primary content generator, discussed below, to provide the preferred content for the user to see.

145 160 100 160 100 160 100 145 145 130 160 100 100 145 145 130 130 145 140 130 100 4 FIG. c c c c The primary content generatorC may generate content (e.g., indicia, see) for display on a surface near the fixture. The primary display contentmay be general content or individualized (i.e., personalized) content. General content, as used herein, may include TV channels, sports games, movies, non-targeted advertisements, etc. Individualized content, as used herein, may include a personalized message, targeted advertising, cryptographic digital ledger (Blockchain), or any other content that is tailored to the particular user near the fixture. In an embodiment, when the authenticator does not recognize the user, or preferences have not been uploaded, the contentdisplayed on the display surface may be general content. When a user is near the fixtureand his identity is confirmed using the authenticatorB, the primary content generatorC may cause the projectorto display contentthat is personalized to that user. For instance, where the user provides his name as part of the installation of the mobile application to interact with the fixture(discussed further below), upon identification of the user at the fixturevia the authenticatorB, the primary content generatorC may cause the projectorto display an individualized message that includes the name of the user. Alternately or in addition, during installation of the mobile application, the user may pick topics that are of interest to the user, and the projectormay display personalized content (e.g., targeted advertisements, movie trailers, biometric related data, etc.) in line with the user's preferences. In some embodiments, the personalized content may be dynamic (e.g., where the user used a search engine on the mobile device to search for listings for a new vehicle within the last hour, the primary content generatorC, upon communication of the mobile device with the software, may display advertisements for new vehicles). The projectormay thus, in embodiments, provide the user a personalized and immersive experience via the fixture.

145 145 130 130 160 130 100 130 130 130 120 100 130 100 145 300 300 200 117 117 130 c 4 FIG. The alert generatorE may generate a second content for interacting with the user. For example, in some embodiments, the alert generatorE may cause an alert (specifically, a sound or flashing lights via an appropriate output device) to be generated when a sensorindicates the presence of possible harm. Additionally, a displaymay be displayed (e.g., via the projector) to alert the user to the possible danger. For example, the fixturemay include an infrared sensorfor detecting heat patterns. If the infrared sensordetects the presence of a hot spot, for example, the sensormay, in conjunction with the processorand the alert generator, cause a display to appear on a surface near the fixture (e.g., “FIRE-EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY”). At the same time, the fixturemay optionally activate one or more output devices(e.g., lights and/or sound) to provide an auditory alert to nearby persons. Additionally, the fixturemay activate, via the response generatorF, one or more remote devices, here, sprinklers (represented by modulein) to address the fire. It shall thus be understood that the sprinkler (and any other remote module, as discussed herein) may be equipped with a network interface and processor for communicating over the networkwith the fixture computing devicefor the purpose of receiving instructions from the fixture computing devicein response to information received from the one or more sensors.

145 100 120 145 145 The olfaction moduleD may utilize olfactory sensors to detect the presence of an undesirable scent near the fixture. Upon determining the presence of an undesirable scent, the olfaction module may, in conjunction with the processor, cause a predetermined amount of perfume to be sprayed into the room. The olfaction moduleD may be configured to routinely run, for example, every 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, etc. to check for the presence of an undesirable scent. If the module does not detect the presence of an undesirable scent, no action may occur until the next routinely checks the area for an undesirable scent. The olfaction moduleD is not limited to qualitative readings of scents. Quantitative readings can also be realized through spectroscopy (or gas chromatography mass spectrometry) that can be used to identify gas, liquid or solids content. These specific olfactory readings can be processed through a database to alert unsafe conditions that are outside of the traditional definition of smell. Some of the possible safety alert examples are biohazard, chemical identification, radiation levels, etc.

130 145 130 130 200 100 117 100 130 160 c c 4 FIG. As mentioned above, a sensormay include a camera, video camera, infrared sensor, and/or a voice recognition tool. The action screenermay be configured to interpret action(s) received by the camera, video camera and/or voice processing recognition tool (e.g., receiver)from a user in order to generate a response. For example, a user may speak aloud to turn on the television to a particular channel. The projectormay subsequently be activated, and through the network, begin to project content from the particular channel on to, for example, the wall, floor, or other surface.illustrates a user in a room with a fixturein communication with a fixture computing device. The fixture, via projector, is projecting indiciaonto the wall, which is viewable by the user.

145 100 130 130 130 130 145 300 c c In embodiments, the action screenermay be configured to recognize certain gestures from a user for the purpose of activating various features of the fixture. For example, a sensor(e.g., camera or video camera) may be programmed to recognize a particular sequence of movements to activate the projector. Another sequence of movements may be utilized to deactivate the projector. Still another sequence of movements may be utilized to activate another output devicevia the response generatorF (e.g., a fragrance dispenser) or a remote module, as described in greater detail below. Gesture interactivity is not limited to human interaction. For example, movements of animals, plants, objects, etc. may be used for interactive input to the system in certain embodiments. Gesture monitoring may also extend to behavior observation where gesture movements outside of a dynamic normalized curve can be identified resulting in alert conditions that can be communicated externally as anomalies, pre-alarms, or alarm alerts. An example could be a cashier's anxious behavior during a transaction which could trigger a pre-alarm, which may subsequently progress to a serious alarm condition based on dynamic gestures (e.g., abnormal behavior, pre-trained trigger movements, or deceptive cues).

100 130 100 130 It shall be understood that fixtureshaving certain sensorssuch as cameras and/or video cameras may be undesirable in sensitive locations, such as restrooms, bedrooms, etc. Accordingly, some fixturesmay only include sensorswhich may be acceptable in such locations, such as voice recognition sensors, infrared sensors, etc.

145 200 300 400 130 300 100 130 145 200 300 135 As described briefly above, the response generatorF may send a request for action over the networkto one or more remote modulesandin response to receipt of information from the various sensors. The modulemay include other fixtureslocated within a particular geographic location, or other systems located throughout a building, such as the HVAC system, the security system, sprinkler system, etc. Information received by the sensor(s)may trigger the response generatorF to send a signal over the networkto elicit a controlled response e.g., turning on the heat or A/C, tuning the temperature, etc. from the respective module. Here, the memorymay be pre-programmed (which may be updated from time to time) with user preferences concerning particular operations around a geographic location, such as preferred temperatures (e.g., at particular time intervals in a particular location), amount of light, audio, etc.

300 200 117 117 130 As noted above, the respective module, be it an HVAC system, security system, sprinkle system, or other remote system, may be equipped with a network interface and processor for communicating over the networkwith the fixture computing devicefor the purpose of receiving instructions from the fixture computing devicein response to information received from the one or more sensors.

100 130 130 130 130 117 140 145 300 300 100 For example, in an embodiment, the fixturemay include a thermometerand a voice recognition sensor. The thermometermay decipher the temperature in and around a particular location. As the thermometerreceives said temperature data, the fixture computing device, via the software, may determine that the temperature is above (or below, as the case may be) the predetermined desired temperature for that location at that time. The response generatorF may therefore send a signal to the HVAC system (e.g., module), causing the HVAC system to turn up the air conditioner to reduce the temperature at that location. Other modulesmay additionally be communicatively coupled to the fixture, thus allowing the user to control various systems throughout a building from a single location.

300 100 130 145 100 In embodiments, the user may additionally, or alternately, control the various modulesvia voice interaction with the fixture. For example, the user may simply speak “turn the temperature to 68” which may be picked up by the voice recognition sensor(s)which may cause the response generatorF to send a signal to the HVAC system. In some embodiments it will be desirable to pre-process and post-process audio signals for the purposes of understanding speech for interactive inputs as well as overcoming non-ideal acoustical properties such as echoes, noise-profiles (e.g. water based echo patterns within a shower). The system utilizes a closed loop of refining the input and output waveforms of audio speech, music, and ambient noise shaping to provide a seamless interactive experience for the user. These techniques ensure that the functions such as voice processing recognition as well as providing a flat frequency response listening environment. Multiple fixturesmay work in conjunction through a distributed network in order to optimize the performance of signal processing algorithms.

400 110 200 The remote modulemay, in embodiments, be a remote device for controlling the light, for example. The remote device may be a cell phone, a laptop computer, a tablet, or any other appropriate device that may be programmed to communicate over the networkfor the purpose of controlling the system. Such devices are well known to those of skill in the art.

100 117 200 130 100 117 200 117 117 130 100 117 130 100 130 130 100 130 100 117 100 100 100 100 c c c In embodiments, the system includes a plurality of fixtures(and therefore fixture computing devices) in communication over the network. As a user moves from one location to another, motion sensorsin the respective fixturesmay detect movement. The fixture computing devicein a first location may communicate (e.g., over the network) with a fixture computing devicein a second location to alert the fixture computing devicein the second location of movement of the user such that the user experience is continuous. For example, consider a projectorin the first fixturethat, via fixture computing device, is projecting a TV show at a first location. When the user moves from the first location to a second location, a motion sensorin the fixturein the first location may detect that the user is no longer in the room and shut the projectoroff. When the user enters a second location, the motion detectorin the second fixturemay detect same, and the projectorin the second fixture, via the fixture computing device, may be activated to project the TV show in the second location. Thus, the user may experience virtually uninterrupted entertainment as he moves throughout a building. Multiple fixturedevices may be operated in conjunction to provide fractional frame projection per fixturein order to project a larger overall perception of projected screen image. In other words, each fixturemay project (or provide a portion of) the overall desired resulting image where the plurality of fixturedevices provides an overall seamless composite image.

117 100 100 117 In some embodiments, the fixture computing deviceis provided together with the fixture, and the fixtureis disposed in a harsh environment, such as in or near a shower, in a pool, etc. Here, the fixture computing devicemay be enveloped in a housing so as to protect the various components from water damage.

100 130 105 130 130 130 c c b In embodiments where the fixtureis disposed at or near a shower, for example, the projector(via positioning of the housing) may be configured to project on a wall or other surface. Alternately, the projectormay be configured to project on a pane of glass, such as the shower door. Various systems exist which may allow for the projection of images on panes of glass. Exemplary window panel systems for the projection of image data are described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/807,331 and 15/853,079, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It shall be understood that the projectormay be provided in conjunction with speakerssuch that a user can also hear audio data in addition to the projected image data.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to project at angles that are not perpendicular in relation from the projector's lens to the projection viewing surface. In these cases it is necessary to utilize a pre-processed optical correction mapping algorithm that can correct for keystone effects which can provide correction to aspect ratio and angular cohesion and framing of the desired projection image. In other embodiments the optical correction mapping algorithm may utilize three-dimensional spatial mapping techniques to allow projection onto surfaces that are either inconsistent in elevation (e.g. not a flat screen) or a contoured 3-dimensional surface such as an object on a table or a person's face. The inverse process of projecting a pre-processed optical correction mapped image yields a corrected image for angle and varying elevation to provide desirable image viewability.

5 FIG. 100 100 100 100 Reference is made herein to a can light which is for use in a structure such as a building. It shall be understood by those of skill in the art, however, that the components described herein may be incorporated into other light fixtures, including but not limited to light fixtures in pools, above showers, street lamps, as part of the fixture for a ceiling fan (). Further embodiments may incorporate fixturesinto kitchen counter lighting, backsplash displays, window frames (e.g., in a curtain panel display, such as a display incorporating smart glass), holographic table-to-cup projection, airplane seatbacks, automotive lights, etc. For example, a vehicle may incorporate one or more fixturesequipped with some or all of the functionalities described herein. The fixturemay be operable to receive information (e.g., from a mobile device over a network) and project the information to a driver or passenger of the vehicle. In some embodiments, fixturesin one or more vehicles may communicate with each other to provide information about the environment, the roadways, other vehicles, etc. to other drivers and passengers.

8 8 9 10 FIGS.A,B,, and 800 800 100 800 800 899 100 199 130 830 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a fixturefor use as a pool light. The fixtureis substantially similar to the fixtureexcept as shown and/or described herein, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodimentmay be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers betweenandmay be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussed above numbered betweenand(e.g., sensorcorresponds generally to the sensor), though with any noted or shown deviations.

800 830 830 700 705 800 830 830 800 830 830 b b a c a c Here, the fixtureincludes a projector. The projectormay be configured to project image data into the pool, and optionally, onto the pool floor. The fixturemay further include one or more sensors and/or output devicesandfor gathering data at or near the fixture. In embodiments, the sensors and/or output deviseandmay optionally include thermometers, cameras, video cameras, infrared sensor, speaker, pH sensors, chemical detection sensors, etc.

100 800 817 800 817 845 845 845 845 845 845 830 830 830 830 800 200 900 900 900 900 a c a c Similar to the fixture, the fixtureis communicatively coupled to a fixture computing devicewhich may be part of, or remote from, the fixture. The fixture computing devicemay include various functional modes (generally), including an action screenerA, a response generatorB, a content generatorC, and an alert generatorD. The functional modesoperate in conjunction with the sensorsandto analyze data from the sensorsandand to provide a response thereto. In addition, the fixturemay be communicatively coupled (e.g., over a network) with remote modulesA and/orB for providing a response, as is described herein. It shall be understood that the remote modulesA andB can be multiple modules, each of which may have its own functionality.

845 830 845 845 830 845 845 845 200 900 845 900 845 800 The action screenerA may, for example, be configured to interpret action(s) received by a camera and/or video camerafrom a user in order to generate a response. In particular, the action screenerA may be configured to recognize erratic or unsynchronized movements to detect a likelihood of drowning (e.g. dynamic gesture decoded actions). In such an event, the action screenerA, via the video camera, may detect suspicious activity due to the presence of erratic movement within the viewing field. Upon determining that there is a likelihood of suspicious activity, the action screenerA may activate the alert generatorD. The alert generatorD may send out an alert (e.g., wirelessly over the network) to a remote deviceA, such as a mobile device. At the same time, the alert generatorD may cause a remote deviceB, such as a speaker, to provide an audio indication of a possible unsafe situation. Still further, the alert generatorD may cause the light in the fixtureto flash. In this way, persons in the pool and outside of the pool may be alerted to the presence of a potentially unsafe situation.

900 900 845 845 830 845 A user of the remote deviceA, such as a parent or a lifeguard, may assess the situation and interact with the remote deviceA (equipped with the necessary programming) to either deny the presence of an unsafe situation, or to confirm that an unsafe situation is present. The alert generatorD may include a timer, which gives the user a predetermined period of time to either confirm or deny the presence of an unsafe situation. If the user denies the presence of an unsafe situation, then the alert generatorD may be deactivated, and the video camera sensormay resume scanning the area for possible unsafe situations. If, instead, the timer expires, or the user confirms the presence of an unsafe situation, then the alert generatorD may enter into a catastrophic mode.

845 900 845 910 In the catastrophic mode, the alert generatorD may activate a remote deviceC, such as a flotation device to the area where the distressed swimmer is located. In an embodiment, the flotation device is a net-like flotation device or pad that is housed at the bottom of the pool. When the catastrophic mode is activated, the net is released from latches at the edge of the pool, and surrounds the distressed swimmer to prevent the swimmer from drowning. In embodiments, the net has a degree of buoyancy that causes the net to float on the water, thereby preventing the swimmer from drowning. In another embodiment, the net may be programmably buoyant. Here, the net or pad may be selectively filled with a gas (e.g., a gas that is lighter than water) via, for example, activation of a firing mechanism by the alert generatorD. The firing mechanism may pierce a gas cartridge communicatively coupled (e.g., via a tube) to the flotation device. Gas may flow from the cartridge to the flotation device causing the flotation device to inflate. Once the swimmer is safely removed from the pool, the flotation device may be deflated (e.g., via the use of selective openings in the device) and returned to its storage location. In embodiments, latches, such as solenoid latches, hoists, or the like, may be utilized to move the flotation device back to its storage position.

830 800 845 845 Instead of, or in addition to, a video camera, the fixturemay include a voice processor recognition tool. The voice recognition tool may be specifically configured to recognize sounds (e.g., “HELP!”, unusual splash patterns, screams, extended garbled speech, etc.) to activate the action screenerA and the alert generatorD, as described herein. In applications such as pool lighting, interactive safety devices will utilize pre- and post-processing with a closed-loop to resolve “safe” and “unsafe” conditions such as a child falling in the pool and calling for help. Closed loop processing techniques for identification, safety, etc. is not limited to audio and can be realized utilizing visual, temperature and other input signals.

830 800 830 800 817 200 845 800 830 845 Optionally, sensorsmay additionally be located outside of the pool (e.g., via additional fixturesdisposed around the pool such as on light poles, life guard stands, etc., or as a standalone sensor). Where a plurality of fixturesare utilized, each of the fixture computing devicesis communicatively coupled together, e.g., over the network, as is described herein. In embodiments, the action screenerA may be configured to recognize certain purposeful gestures from a user for the purpose of activating various features of the fixture. For example, the sensor(e.g., camera or video camera) may be programmed to recognize a particular sequence of movements to activate alert generatorD to send an alert to an employee to bring another drink. Gesture interactivity is not limited to human interaction. For example, movements of animals, plants, objects, etc. may be used for interactive input to the system in certain embodiments.

845 845 900 It shall be understood that while the alert generatorD is described herein as generating alerts due to the perceived presence of an unsafe situation, the alert generatorD may additionally, or alternately, be configured to provide alerts to a remote moduleA, such as a remote device, for the purpose of providing refreshments to a pool patron.

6 7 FIGS.-B 6 7 FIGS.-B 500 505 510 505 505 505 505 505 510 505 510 a b c a b illustrate another alternative embodiment of a fixtureconsisting of a hookthat fits over, for example, a door(although it may be configured to interact with other appliances, equipment, etc.). Here, the hookhas a first appliance engaging portionand a second appliance engaging portionconnected via a central portion. In the embodiment shown in in, the first appliance engaging portionis situated on the outside of the door(e.g., facing outside); the second appliance engaging portionis thus situated on the inside of the door.

505 530 530 530 530 505 532 532 530 505 a b a. The first appliance engaging portionmay be equipped with one or more sensors (generally,). The sensorsmay include but are not limited to video recorders, microphones and/or sound recorders, cameras, temperature gauges, etc. The sensorsmay optionally be contained inside a housing which may protect the sensorsfrom the elements. In an embodiment, the second engaging portionincludes a projector. The projectormay be configured to be in communication (e.g., wired or wireless, including over a network, WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.) with the sensorsat the first appliance engaging portion

530 532 530 505 532 505 b a While the sensorsare shown on an outside of the door with the projectoron an inside of the door, it shall be understood that sensorsmay additionally, or alternately, by on the inside of the door (e.g., in the second engaging portion), with the projectoradditionally, or alternately, on an outside of the door (e.g., in the first engaging portion).

7 FIG.A 530 532 530 510 510 505 532 b In one embodiment, illustrated in, the sensor (not visible) is a video camera that is equipped with a microphone. The sensoris in communication with the projector. When the sensordetects the presence of an individual in front of the door, the individual's likeness may be projected onto the backside of the doorsuch that a person standing in the house may see the individual on the other side of the door. One or more sensors on the second appliance engaging portion, such as a video camera and/or microphone may similarly be configured to record and transmit the likeness of the person standing on the inside to the person standing on the outside via a projection device (e.g., like projector).

7 FIG.B 532 540 510 540 137 117 500 200 510 137 400 540 510 532 530 505 540 530 530 a In another embodiment, illustrated in, the projectormay be configured to project indiciaonto the inside of the door. The indiciamay be selected from a databasein the fixture computing deviceassociated with the fixture(which may be accessed wirelessly over the network, for example) for projection onto the door. In embodiments, the databasemay be accessed by a wireless device(e.g., a cellular phone) which may allow a user to select the indiciathat is to be projected onto the door. The projectormay be configured to automatically switch between projecting an image from a sensorin the first appliance engaging portionand projecting indicia, depending on the information that is being received by the sensor. In embodiments where the sensorsinclude sensors for monitoring temperature, humidity, etc., the information may be communicated (e.g., wirelessly) to the user or other subsystems which may be distributed throughout the home as discussed herein.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed within the scope of the disclosure. Further, various steps set forth herein may be carried out in orders that differ from those set forth herein without depart from the scope of the present methods. This specification shall not be restricted to the above embodiments.

Any units of measurement provided herein are exemplary in nature only and are not meant to specifically define the dimensions of the system. Other dimensions may be appropriate or desirable.